It's been a year 💗 (Covid)

[GloGirl]

Theres a minute's silence today for the 126,172 people who have died from Covid in the UK.

Flood of emotions today.

What are your lasting memories of the year?

Mostly crap. Not much to look forward to, except walking my stepbrother's dog three times a week which has, quite honestly, saved my mental health. Walking her always lifts my mood however low i feel.

It has been really good for my mental health. I haven't been this stable for years.

mental health is terrible, nightmares, panic attacks, crying all the time.

Only left my house 3 times in the past year. Not seen any family.

Still I have had Covid and one dose of vaccine. Still stressed at the state of the world.

Surprised that I am still alive tbh.

My first memory will be my friend losing her lovely Dad to covid soon after lockdown, standing in the road seeing him off as couldn't go to funeral. Also, I've known 10 close people who've had covid, two only mildly, so the worry and relief for them.

I'll remember the times it's done my head it. Also, I have positives - DH working from home so seen him a lot more, as a uni student DD struggled to get a part-time job the first year, due to lockdown she got one and is still there. I'll remember making the garden look nice, discovering new walks locally and the precious times I saw friends out in the garden.

Overriding memories of the last year are a lot of walks, ever-changing procedures at work and a sense of disbelief that we’re actually living through this.

My sympathies to those lockdown has been a terrible time for, especially those struggling with mental well-being because of lockdown. I know a lot of people have had an awful time, but for me it was somewhat of a saviour. I realise I was running myself into the ground before this, the slower pace of last year has given me back my general well-being, my sanity, my mental health has improved and I have more time to concentrate on myself. There have definitely been downsides, I'm missing seeing people face to face and missing being able to go away but I'm grateful lockdown has given me an opportunity to reflect on myself and life in general.

Can't believe it's been a year. Ok for me although feel suffocated by it all, very worried about my DC's and the complete global situation.

And maybe I'm looking at it with a rose tinted view, there was actually immense health anxiety for my own health and family members' earlier in the year but that's eased a lot and has been replaced by gratefulness as more and people are being vaccinated.

I have happy memories of the beautiful weather.

Running laps of our tiny lawn, because I'd used up my 'hour' walking with the kids, and HIIT on the patio.

Real concern about food, when shelves were empty at the start. Cutting my own portions just in case.

Gratitude. Lockdown has made me very, very aware of how fortunate I am in so many areas of my life.

Walks. So many walks.

Having the chance to spend so much time with my DD when schools shut but hating home schooling!

Panic buying was awful and that started my anxiety off at the beginning being scared of what was happening

Lost nearly two stone which I wouldn't of done if I'd been in the office eating cake!

Missing my family and friends, and really appreciating the time we spent together in the summer/autumn

Finding a new love of walks and the countryside where we live

Honestly I don't have any specific memories, nor would I add sentiment to any particular moments. This year has honestly mostly been being bored off my arse and worried about money and quality of life.

Getting coronavirus (which I did) was never one of my concerns.

Interesting day today a full year of varying restrictions.

Personally it's been a rollercoaster but I care more about what the kids have/still are missing. But they'll bounce back, I presume.

My heart goes out to those struggling and who have lost loved ones.
This last year has felt like a break from 10/12 he days on opposite roars to dh and d's.A guilt free time to do what I want.We are on low incomes but were grateful for the 80%.
Cut out booze and online spends for walks,cooking and gardening.I will remember the hot summer,endless mumsnet threads about the coronavirus.
The break has been good for my MH.

I'm fine. Worked throughout, NHS.
But feel desperately sorry for my teens, both in the short and long term.

I like people a lot less now.

Being bored, lonely, on the verge of a breakdown. Scrambling around for pasta and flour, trying to find ways to entertain the kids. Eating and drinking a shed load to numb the horror and as a result piling on weight.

The plus sides...lovely summer days, sunny walks, days and nights out with friends and making new friends.

My worries and concerns have largely been for my children. DD1 had her first year at uni curtailed and second year has largely been spent missing her and feeling sad for all that she had planned. She's off to uni in Spain for a year in September so I'm hoping she gets the year she so deserves.
I worry for my 15yo DD2 who has had her GCSEs truly fucked over, but mainly sad for her that she's missing out on such an important time where she should be developing socially.
On the plus side I've hugely enjoyed having DD2 at home with me, it's been a really wonderful time for our relationship.
Absolute lowest point was having a stroke in November and having to go it alone in hospital during a terrifying time, still have flashbacks about the loneliness and fear I felt that week.
But on balance we've been exceptionally fortunate as a family. DH has worked throughout so have no concerns monetary or job wise.
Just counting down the months until we can see my mum in Spain again then all will be good.

Shit because I'm working from home, have no work life balance and am not far off leaving my job because I can't cope any more.

Crappy mostly. There have been highlights, like my daughter learning to walk! However missed hospital appointments, developmental delay that hasn't improved due to lack of services, and a lack of communication from her doctors. Not being able to get a doctors appointment for mental health, due to my doctors only making phone appointments. If the last year has shown me anything it's that medical professionals were deeply unprepared for a pandemic, and honestly you'd like to think they had some kind of plan in place but nope.

I observed the minute silence at noon, sitting alone on the beach. Very reflective and emotional time.
Both highs and lows for me over the last year, and everything in between.
Sending lots of love to those for whom it's been completely horrendous

I've really enjoyed reading through these, thank you for your responses

Sorry, I'm not sure enjoyed is the correct response considering some of the pain and trauma that is evident in the replies. I am feeling reflective of the year and it's been useful to read how other people have found the year.

I hope 2021 becomes brighter for all of you.